longspur

[ lawng-spur, long- ]

noun

1. any of several fringillid birds of the genus Calcarius of tundra or prairie regions of North America, characterized by a long spurlike hind claw on each foot.

longspur

/ ˈlɒŋˌspɜː /

noun

1. any of various Arctic and North American buntings of the genera Calcarius and Rhyncophanes, all of which have a long claw on the hind toe

Word History and Origins

Origin of longspur¹

First recorded in 1825–35; long ¹ + spur ¹

Example Sentences

The AOS took a broader look at eponymic birds in the wake of its Longspur decision, and its November announcement landed as a surprise across the natural sciences.

From Slate

And in 2020 the AOS removed an eponym that honored a Confederate general and replaced it with the common species name Thick-billed Longspur.

From Scientific American

The Longspur decision had reversed one made just a year prior that then upheld the original name.

From Scientific American

In 2020, the organization renamed a bird once referring to a Confederate Army general, John P. McCown, as the thick-billed longspur.

From Seattle Times

The results indicated that protected areas remain important for the conservation of northern bird species such as the Lapland longspur, which breeds in Finland as well.

From Science Daily